a reflection that prevents someone on the outside seeing in. This provides some privacy and disguises the fact that partitions and stairs, which form part of the ingenious interior, cross some of the window spaces. The basement has a kitchen and workrooms for the servants. The ground floor has a formal entrance hall and three reception rooms, with geometric patterned floors in exotic woods and fine plasterwork by Cipriani, another of Lord
Figure 30.2 The Casino at Marino, designed by Sir William Chambers for Lord Charlemont. The section drawing shows how much accommodation was created within the building.
Charlemont’s friends from Rome. The highlight of the interior is the stateroom on the first floor, which is richly coloured in contrast with the pure white interiors on the ground floor (Fig. 30.3).
Sir William Chambers designed other buildings in Ireland – the Chapel and Theatre at Trinity College and Lucan House in Co. Dublin – but none compare with the refinement and perfection of the Casino.
Figure 30.3 The Casino at Marino, interior.
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NEW APPRECIATING ART IRELAND AND ITS PLACE IN THE WIDER WORLD
